2027 PRZPA Rankings Update, Offensive Box-Checkers

In this breakdown, I spotlight 22 future juniors who, in my evaluation, are right on the cusp of breaking through in this cut-throat recruiting world. These are names that should already be generating serious FBS attention, many of which are already high on boards, this through my sources. I dive into the tape, factoring in-person evals too, to better assess whether or not each of these athletes checks the boxes that Power Four programs demand. Some have been overlooked. Others are late bloomers. But all 22 belong in recruiting conversations at the next level—and for most, it's just a matter of time.   *There are SEVERAL other factors to take into account, many of which I cannot fit into a readable table.   *All of this is in my earnest opinion, I do not pretend to know the ins and outs of each prospect, yet my ability to be boots-on-the-ground 12 months through a year helps. No matter if a box is filled or not, I think all 22 of these prospects are worth being offered today, FCS to Power Four level. Worth mentioning that SEVERAL FCS schools are not close to offering 2027s.   Quarterbacks   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>PLAYER</td><td>H/W COMBINATION</td><td>TAPE/PRODUCTION</td><td>COMPETITION LEVEL</td><td>ACCURACY</td><td>TALENT CEILING</td><td>MOBILITY</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='569820' first='Joey' last='McLeish']</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1181600' first='Kendall' last='Jackson']</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='914946' first='Mikal' last='Shank Jr.']</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1282115' first='Jack' last='Drakeley']</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='600174' first='Jackson' last='Solley']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   H/W Combination - McLeish and Jackson aren't "small" prospects by any means, yet we can't ignore their shorter-than-ideal builds compared to that of other Power Four 2027s. I am not a believer that McLeish or Jackson's height will hinder their future opportunities, however. They both check off too many boxes. Shank, Drakeley, and Solley all fit the mold.   Tape/Production - I have been fans of Shank and Drakeley for years at this point. I have had both on our WL for two straight updates simply due to a lack of tape. I know coaches are likely equally frustrated. McLeish, Jackson, and Solley all provide ample tape and production.   Competition Level - All five passers play against good/great competition.   Accuracy - I have had the luxury of watching all five passers throw in person, in several different settings (7v7, camps, Fall football). All five have wowed me in terms of accuracy.   Talent Ceiling - All five prospects have ample room to grow in terms of talent ceiling. None of the five prospects have capped off in terms of ceiling. Each has serious room to improve.   Mobility - I am sure of Jackson, McLeish, and Solley's ability to move, both to throw and run. Shank and Drakeley, I've only watched these two perform in un-padded settings, so I'm unsure if mobility really factors into their games. I'm sure coaches feel the same way.   Running Backs   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>PLAYER</td><td>H/W COMBINATION</td><td>TAPE/PRODUCTION</td><td>COMPETITION LEVEL</td><td>VERIFIED SPEED & ACCEL</td><td>BALANCE</td><td>VISION</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='914943' first='Princeton' last='Dent'] - Harrisburg</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1429192' first='Michael' last='Price'] - Central Bucks East</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='671952' first='Ahzir' last='Nelson'] - LaSalle</td><td></td><td></td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   H/W Combination - Dent is absolutely yoked based on recent photos. Coaches on the road have raved about his build, I can tell, he's a camp eye-opener. [player_tooltip player_id='1429192' first='Michael' last='Price'] carries a college-ready thick build, both suitable for trench runs and even future LB play IMO. [player_tooltip player_id='671952' first='Ahzir' last='Nelson'] is a bit on the smaller side, yet not enough IMO to really hinder his chances at next-level ball.   Tape Production - Dent and Price have extensive tape for coaches to dive into. In [player_tooltip player_id='671952' first='Ahzir' last='Nelson']'s case, he has yet to release a sophomore tape on Hudl, it has affected his rank on our site.   Competition Level - All prospects play against good/great competition on a weekly basis.   Verified Speed & Acceleration - When it comes to backs, really all skill positions, verifiable speed and testing numbers are arguably the deciding factors as to whether a back gets recruited or not. Often used as a tie-breaker between equally graded kids. Having readily available track numbers often helps a back boost recruiting in their favor, so long as the numbers are impressive. I'm unsure about all three backs verified numbers.   Balance - All three backs exhibit next-level balance. Especially Dent and Nelson. Price is a bit on the heavier side, yet he still showcases good balance between the tackles.   Vision - All three backs display natural instincts with the ball, especially Dent, who is the highest-ranked back among this group.   Wide Receivers   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>PLAYER</td><td>H/W COMBINATION</td><td>TAPE/PRODUCTION</td><td>COMPETITION LEVEL</td><td>VERIFIED SPEED & ACCEL</td><td>SEPARATION SKILLS</td><td>BALL SKILLS</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='913609' first='Brendon' last='Goode-Kimble']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='913497' first='Ka'leem' last='Taylor']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='913666' first='Justin' last='Melvin']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td></td><td>√</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   H/W Combination - All three wideouts meet the H/W threshold that coaches at the next level expect out of their wideouts. All are 6'1+. I'm sure Melvin and Kimble have ample room to grow in the weight room, however. H/W ratio shouldn't affect their current stock among recruiters.   Tape Production - All three wideouts have exceptional tape IMO. Goode-Kimble is arguably the one with the least amount of splash plays, yet I have seen the kid up close and can verify that he's special. Game plan on Friday nights factor into his tape being somewhat limited.   Competition Level - The lone prospect without a check mark here is [player_tooltip player_id='913497' first='Ka'leem' last='Taylor']. The competition level Greater Johnstown HS plays might have some coaches a bit weary. Thankfully, Taylor has made it known that he can keep up with elite talent, this by him showing out and competing against said competition in camp and 7v7 settings.   Verified Speed & Acceleration - Again, arguably the most important factor lies in verifiable speed. I'm unsure about all three pass catchers, specifically when putting them under the testing lens. I do not doubt any of their speed, as it shows up on tape for all three prospects mentioned. Yet, coaches at the next level want to be absolutely certain. Proving their speed would go a long way in helping accelerate the recruiting process.   Separation Skills - Goode-Kimble is arguably the best route-runner of the bunch, I like him to get open against the majority of Eastern PA DBs. Taylor is well-rounded. Melvin has areas to improve, but servicable in this area for now.   Ball Skills - Elite ball skills out of [player_tooltip player_id='913497' first='Ka'leem' last='Taylor'], it's his calling card. Melvin comes away with a few wow catches on tape, his height provides a jump in percentage when talking 50/50 balls. Goode-Kimble is good here too, yet Taylor stands out most in this bunch.   Tight Ends   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>PLAYER</td><td>H/W COMBINATION</td><td>TAPE/PRODUCTION</td><td>COMPETITION LEVEL</td><td>VERSATILITY (C&B)</td><td>ATHLETICISM</td><td>ALIGNMENT</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='953132' first='Croix' last='Kise']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1508942' first='Bryce' last='Ryan']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   H/W Combination - Both tight end prospects meet the H/W requirements to be recruited by FBS programs IMO. [player_tooltip player_id='953132' first='Croix' last='Kise'] is 6'6, 240 pounds. [player_tooltip player_id='1508942' first='Bryce' last='Ryan'] is listed at 6'3, 205. FBS teams might be a bit weary with those numbers, yet I wouldn't call it a cause for concern, so long as the rest of his resume checks out.   Tape Production - Both Kise and Ryan have exemplary tape. Their tapes are what led to high ranks on our site, first and foremost. These are outstanding football players.   Competition Level - Both Kise and Ryan get no check for the competition level box. Not to either's fault, of course. This being no knock to Kennett or Fleetwood, I am aware of how reluctant some FBS coaches can be when uncovering talent in these areas. I am of the group that both of these young men can ball regardless. The tape speaks for itself.   Versatility (C&B) - Can Kise block at the next level? I have no doubt, watching his strength displayed on defense leads me to arrive at that notion. I've witnessed Kise catch the football in person, too. Can Ryan block and catch the ball? Easy answer, check his tape. He'll need to put on some weight to in-line block at the next level, yet I have a feeling he has the motor and drive to get to that point in the future.   Athleticism - Kise is arguably one of the more athletic prospects among 2027s in PA, regardless of position. 4.5 40 at our camp at his H/W, special. [player_tooltip player_id='1508942' first='Bryce' last='Ryan']'s most standout trait on tape is his athleticism. Ryan can blend wideout qualities with a bruising tight-end's. Both lie on the athletic end of the TE spectrum.   Alignment - Both Kise and Ryan are comfortable aligning in several different areas of the field. Kise has a defensive background, Ryan can be split out wide. Both can serve as in-line players, too.   Offensive Linemen   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>PLAYER</td><td>H/W COMBINATION</td><td>TAPE/PRODUCTION</td><td>COMPETITION LEVEL</td><td>ATHLETICISM</td><td>STRENGTH</td><td>TECHNIQUE</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='612806' first='Jayden' last='King-Gant']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>Terence Jones Jr</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1398286' first='Eli' last='Culpepper']</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='953137' first='Justin' last='Cowans']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1623521' first='Andrew' last='Sorge']</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1398190' first='Jayden' last='Jones']</td><td></td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   H/W Combination - All six linemen meet the H/W threshold set by FBS coaches, except for Sorge and [player_tooltip player_id='1623522' first='Jayden' last='Jones']. I preface that I don't think either should be hampered by this, however, considering they check off several other boxes. Sorge is still meeting viable IOL measurables for FBS level ball, Jones just needs to put on some more weight. All six will be checked off in due time.   Tape Production - King-Gant, Cowans, Sorge, and Jones all throw out great tape, a main reason why I have them on this list. Culpepper is working to earn a spot on McDevitt's line. I know their coaching staff will get him right, so I'm attempting to call my shot here with him. Culpepper is pure projection. Jones has little tape to offer on Hudl, yet I'm fully aware of how dominant he was this past Fall. I know coaches want to see it on Hudl, however.   Competition Level - All six linemen work against good competition.   Athleticism - This crop of linemen land on the power/sixe spectrum, not so much on the uber-athletic end. I do, however, think [player_tooltip player_id='1623522' first='Jayden' last='Jones'] has what it takes to be viewed as a power forward type. 6'3, a lean tackle at 240. He gets the check on this box. That isn't to say these young men aren't all athletes, it might not be their main calling card is all.   Strength - All linemen presented check off this box, except for Culpepper, whom I don't know enough about. Cowans, Jones, and King-Gant all prove their strength on the field. Sorge's tape shows off several pancake blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='1623522' first='Jayden' last='Jones'] has a mean streak in him. I've seen him toss kids out of plays on tape, if I'm not mistaken.   Technique - There isn't a lineman in the world who doesn't need to work on technique. Every one of these prospects has a long road ahead of them. That being said, tape suggests they are at the very least listening to their coaching staffs and employing some of the work their coaches are teaching them. Sorge might lead the pack here.   Two-Way ATHs   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>PLAYER</td><td>H/W COMBINATION</td><td>TAPE/PRODUCTION</td><td>COMPETITION LEVEL</td><td>ALIGNMENT VERSATILITY</td><td>KR/PR CAPABLE</td><td>BALL SKILLS</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1398202' first='Marcus' last='Jones']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='916004' first='Carter' last='Vassa']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1516890' first='Christian' last='Cook']</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td>√</td><td></td><td>√</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   H/W Combination - All three two-way players listed above meet H/W requirements. [player_tooltip player_id='1398202' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] intrigues the most in this sense.   Tape Production - All three two-way players listed have ample tape to plug into. Vassa's production and skills showcased on tape have me ranking him beside FBS prospects for three straight updates now.   Competition Level - All three prospects play good/great competition. Any coaches doubting District 11 play should re-evaluate the area.   Alignment Versatility - All three check off this box as well, they are ranked as two-way players for a reason. All three are trusted to serve roles on both sides of the field by their respective head coaches. I believe Vassa and Jones will have coaches excited to experiment at the next level.   KR/PR Capable - Vassa is the lone prospect that checks off this box, as Jones and Cook are bigger prospects who likely won't see special team roles applied to them at the next level.   Ball Skills - Again, Jones reminds me of [player_tooltip player_id='388154' first='Joey' last='O'Brien'] in a sense, mainly because of his ball skills as a wideout, and S. Vassa can win a game for you on offense IMO. Cook can also surprise here.

In this breakdown, I spotlight 22 future juniors who, in my evaluation, are right on the cusp of breaking through in this cut-throat recruiting world. These are names that should already be generating serious FBS attention, many of which are already high on boards, this through my sources. I dive into the tape, factoring in-person evals too, to better assess whether or not each of these athletes checks the boxes that Power Four programs demand. Some have been overlooked. Others are late bloomers. But all 22 belong in recruiting conversations at the next level—and for most, it's just a matter of time.